Side Street Studio Arts puts out call for young artists for America’s 250th Public Art Project
Side Street Studio Arts, in partnership with the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Your Neighbor Elgin, and community collaborators, recently announced an open call for young artists to participate in a public art project celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
This project is part of a statewide initiative supported by the Illinois Arts Council’s America’s 250th Public Art Grant, which invests in community-driven artworks that reflect local stories, values, and visions for the future.
Young artists are invited to submit original artwork exploring the theme, “What does the future of America look like?” Selected artwork will inspire a large-scale, permanent public sculpture to be installed in downtown Elgin, creating a lasting community landmark shaped by youth voices.
“We need the optimism of young people in this moment,” said Erin Rehberg, founder and executive director of Side Street Studio Arts. “As we look toward the next 250 years, their perspectives push us to imagine something better, more inclusive, and more hopeful. This project is about creating space for those ideas to take shape and become part of our shared landscape.”
In 1776, the Declaration of Independence established a vision centered on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nearly 250 years later, this project invites young people to reflect on how those ideals continue to evolve and what they mean for the future.
Through this initiative, young artists will help shape a public artwork that reflects the creativity, diversity, and imagination of Elgin’s next generation.
The call is open to Elgin residents or students enrolled in an Elgin-based school who are under 18 at the time of submission.
Individual artists or teams may apply, with one submission per artist or team. Submissions may be two- or three-dimensional and will include a short application responding to how the artwork reflects the future of America and how the design could translate into a three-dimensional public artwork.
Artwork may be submitted digitally, which is encouraged, or dropped off in person at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court, or KidSpace at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., during open hours.
The selected artist will receive a minimum $500 honorarium, and their design will be developed into a large-scale public installation in collaboration with professional artists. Additional selected artists may have their work featured in exhibitions and public spaces throughout Elgin.
To support young artists in creating their submissions, Side Street Studio Arts will host two free, drop-in open studio workshops on Saturday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. Participants can use provided materials, develop their artwork, and receive guidance from artist-educators.
Full details and the application are available at sidestreetstudioarts.org/america250. If you have questions, email info@sidestreetstudioarts.org or text to (847) 429-2276.
This project is supported by Side Street Studio Arts with support from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, and community partners including Your Neighbor Elgin.